4WD Tyres
Passenger Tyres


4WD tyres: Four wheels, myriad options

Australia is a 4WD country – using four wheel drive vehicles with 4WD tyres to get off the beaten track and explore is part of our culture. However, choosing the right 4WD tyres isn’t simple. In fact, the choice is as diverse as the countryside and terrain across Australia.

4wd TyresChoosing the right 4WD tyres

While 4WD tyres must be able to handle a much greater variety of conditions than normal passenger tyres, often carrying more than an average car in less-than-ideal conditions, they are basically manufactured in two ways:

  • Radial ply 4WD tyres. Radials are constructed using two radial steel belts within the tyre.

  • Bias ply 4WD tyres. With body plies running in different directions, bias tyres are generally accepted as being tougher and better for rough and rocky four wheel drive conditions.

H/T, A/T and M/T 4WD tyres

The next choice you have to make when choosing 4WD tyres is based on three basic types of tyre. 4WD tyres are available as:

  • Highway Terrain (H/T) 4WD tyres. H/T tyres are similar to regular passenger tyres that are used on sealed roads across Australia.

  • All Terrain (A/T) 4WD tyres. A/T tyres cater for the needs of the majority of 4WD owners.

  • Mud Terrain (M/T) 4WD tyres. M/T tyres have much deeper tread, with bigger voids, providing better traction for vehicles that regularly go ‘off road’.

Which 4WD tyres are right for you?

There are lots of variables to consider when choosing 4WD tyres. One of the most important factors to consider are the surfaces you’ll be driving on , which depends to some extent on where you are in Australia.

  • Bitumen roads. Good cornering, stopping ability and quiet ride are the main considerations, along with good tracking to avoid driver fatigue on highways and good balance to avoid any vibration.

  • Off road. Heavy duty construction and plenty of all-round grip are the priorities. Consider open treads that are effective at self cleaning in mud.

Inevitably, there’s an element of compromise involved in your choice. Often, vehicles need to perform on various surfaces in a range of conditions.

So how do you balance your requirements? Which 4WD tyre brands are best? Big, open off-road 4WD treads that are great in the mud tend to be noisy on bitumen. Similarly, good on-road tyres tend to struggle more in off road situations.

There is no easy answer, but rest assured we can help you make the best, most cost-effective choice for your four wheel drive requirements. Contact us to discuss which 4WD tyres are right for your situation, or visit one of our tyre stores across Western Australia.